The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has disclosed that it is exploring legal options after the High Court suspended the implementation of the new higher education funding model.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 9, HELB noted that it was fully complying with the court order as it worked closely with the Ministry of Education in exploring the legal options.
"Following the court order issued on 3rd October, 2024, by Justice Chacha Mwita on the New Funding Model (Student-Centered Funding Model), this is to inform all our stakeholders that HELB is fully complying with the court order while working closely with the Ministry of Education in exploring all the urgent legal options to reach an amicable resolution," HELB stated.
The loans board affirmed that it was looking to overcome the impasse soon and added that it is committed to making higher education financing accessible to all needy Kenyan students.
"We look forward to overcoming the current impasse soon to ensure that all students continue with their studies uninterrupted," HELB explained.
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On October 3, Justice Mwita issued conservatory orders halting the implementation of the funding model after the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and three other petitioners challenged it.
The petitioners argued that the funding model is discriminatory and locks thousands of students out of higher education.
The petition by KHRC, Elimu Bora Working Group, Boaz Waruku, and the Students Caucus was filed on October 13, 2023.
Justice Mwita noted that the case took longer because the Attorney-General, Education Cabinet Secretary, and the Kenya Universities and College Placement Service failed to file their submissions on time.
President William Ruto recently appointed a national committee to review the funding model.
The committee was tasked with holding consultations with stakeholders and advising the President on the way forward regarding the funding model for universities and TVETs.
